EXCLUSIVE: Abuse pushing football referees out of the game
Current and former referees are exclusively telling Forth News they are being pushed to breaking point by the abuse they receive while doing their jobs, and the lack of support available to them.
Referees are being forced out of football because of the level of abuse they receive from players, coaches and supporters.
Match officials say the future of the game is being put at risk because of the lack of support on offer.
In some cases, those officiating amateur games say they fear for their own safety during and after matches.
Dan Forbes, who used to referee amateur games, has been telling Forth News about some of his worst experiences.
He said: "There were definitely times, after refereeing amateur football, I'd meet these players by chance on a night out, and I was being verbally abused and threatened, and almost assaulted, on a number of occasions, with glass bottles.
"When it happens once you can't not think about it, because then you have to think 'Where am I parking my car?' 'How am I preparing for my exit after a game?' 'Are my belongings going to be secure?'
Another former official recalled receiving physical threats by a player and fans.
He said: "I've been threatened twice - once was a player in the amateur league who threatened to assault me.
"I've also been threatened by supporters in the car park after a match, who said they would 'Fill my head in'."
Another told us adults are the worst culprits and set a bad example to the children playing in their teams.
He said: "There are some coaches who the kids look up to, and they are roaring and cursing at the referee.
"I have actually abandoned an under-15s game because the coach wouldn't stop swearing."
Many former referees say the lack of support available was a key factor in their decision to quit the game.
The SFA says it takes the mental health and wellbeing of its referees very seriously and it offers support through its online extranet portal.